Gov. Justice Has No Plans to Issue School Mask Mandate

Gov. Jim Justice said he is issuing no school mask mandate now in West Virginia, but he didn’t rule out taking action if necessary. Justice pointed out that the delta variant is now present in 35 West Virginia counties and continues to spread. The governor cited what some schools already are doing to battle the virus. West Virginia Wesleyan will charge $750 to unvaccinated students or those who do not submit vaccination proof by Sept. 7. Marshall is requiring face coverings indoors, though not requiring vaccinations.Kanawha County is requiring masks for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, while making it optional for kids in grades sixth through 12th. Putnam County is recommending, but not requiring masks.